It is bear season in Colorado and across the western U.S. On June 11, the United States Forest Service (USFS) banned tent camping at one of the Roaring Fork Valleys most popular campgrounds after a black bear swiped at a tent with two sleeping children inside. This week, USFS rescinded the tent ban, but is still encouraging campers to remain vigilant and practice bear safety.

　　Following the bear incident, USFS relocated or refunded all tent campers who had reservations at Difficult Campground. That incident had not been the first bear encounter that campers had at this campground this year, USFS said, and bears have continued to be seen in the area.

　　Nevertheless, since there have been no further incidents, the prohibition on tents was lifted on June 20.

　　(Photo/Will Brendza) GearJunkie visited Difficult Campground and spoke with the host. She asked to remain anonymous, but confirmed that its very common to see bears in the area.

　　One was just chilling out in my campsite this morning, she said. This is their home.

　　A typical site at Difficult Campground; (photo/Will Brendza) In fact, she added, the bears are so local to the area, some have names, like Brutus, a bear whos been frequenting Difficult Campground for around 8 years. So, seeing the bears isnt unusual; however, their current boldness around campers is.

　　Theyre not backing down at the moment, which is very concerning to Forest Services and us, the host said. Normally, if you yell at a black bear, they run. These guys are like, I might be able to take you.'

　　Tents Welcomed Back, Bears Still in Area Neither of the children involved in last weeks bear encounter was hurt. According to the Aspen Times, their tent had some claw marks from where the bear had punctured the sidewall. But the children werent traumatized and went hiking with their parents the next day.

　　David Boyd, a USFS public affairs officer, told GearJunkie that the bear was fine, too. It didnt get into any food, and no one was harmed, so it didnt need to be relocated or euthanized.

　　Still, the incident was one that the USFS didnt want to take chances with.

　　(Photo/Will Brendza) [We] are taking this proactive step for public safety,” Deputy District Ranger Jennifer Schuller said in a press release announcing the Difficult Campground tent ban on June 11. She said USFS was also coordinating closely with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).

　　Difficult Campground is just 9 minutes east of Aspen toward Independence Pass. Its surrounded by thick vegetation, berry plants, and bushes, and sits just a few hundred yards from the Roaring Fork River.

　　Its got 47 sites that are booked out weeks and months in advance due to its proximity to town, as well as many trails, lakes, streams, and more. Even after this incident and during the tent prohibition, the host said she was overbooked with guests.

　　(Photo/Will Brendza) One camper visiting from the Netherlands told GearJunkie she and her boyfriend received an email from USFS about the tent ban ahead of their stay. Her boyfriend bought a canister of bear spray, just in case.

　　Another family of campers whod been visiting annually for 11 years said theyd never seen a bear at Difficult Campground. But they always camp in a trailer specifically because its safer from wildlife.

　　I know it isnt 100%, said Michelle, the mother. But its at least a little better.

　　Staying Bear Safe During Bear Season

　　(Photo/Will Brendza) Difficult Campground was not subtle about its bear safety signage when I visited. Two big whiteboards greeted guests as they entered, warning about the tent ban and the presence of bears. Those have since been removed.

　　The fee station has a large sign about the best bear safety practices. Every campsite has bear-resistant storage lockers for food and signs zip-tied to the tables with even more bear safety information.

　　The key is keeping bears from getting a food reward from humans, Boyd said. We do not want them to learn that a campground is a good place to find food.

　　(Photo/Will Brendza) The Difficult Campground host said it goes beyond what we consider food, too. Garbage, shampoo, conditioner, makeup, body spray, soap, toothpaste, or anything else that smells edible to a bear needs to be securely stored at night, either in a bear storage locker, a bear-resistant container, your camper, or a locked vehicle.

　　Keeping bears from getting your food keeps you safe, keeps your neighboring campers and the campers who follow you safe, and helps keep the bears safe,” Deputy District Ranger Schuller said.

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